Sorority hosts benefit concert

Marshall University's Sigma Sigma Sigma chapter hosted a concert Saturday for more than entertainment. Three bands and dozens of guests gathered to raise money for terminally ill children.

The event, Rocking for Robbie, raised $237 to be donated to the Robbie Page Memorial. The national efforts of the memorial support the cost of two hospital's play therapy programs. Michelle Postlewait, Sigma Sigma Sigma foundation chair, said all the collected money will be going directly to the Children's Medical Center in Dallas, Texas and the hospital in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

"These donations go toward conducting means for play therapy for children as a way for them to communicate through play during their hospitalized time," Postlewait said.

The Tri-Sigma sorority adopted the Robbie Page Memorial in 1954. Robbie Page, the son of Sigma's fourth national president, passed away from polio at a time when there was no cure for the disease.

Through fundraising for the memorial, Tri-Sigma was able to raise funds for polio research including the Salk vaccine. The chapters now focus on raising money for play therapy.

Local bands, such as Time and Distance, Gage and The Disease and the Cure, performed in the Memorial Student Center basement for the event.

"The band's performances were top-notch quality," said Postlewait, junior accounting major from Wheeling, W.Va.

Time and Distance lead singer Greg McGowan has been playing in the band since he was 18. McGowan, now 27, said he enjoyed playing the show and the band tries to sing for benefits whenever possible.

"I think it's important to use whatever level of voice you have to help raise awareness and finances for good organizations and their causes," McGowan said.

McGowan said concerts have the potential to be a great way to raise money for causes.

"Especially if you can get performers that people want to see," McGowan said.

The crowd at the Rocking for Robbie consisted of mostly Greek members. Postlewait said she was happy with the turnout.

"Many fraternities and one sorority came out to support us and our philanthropy," Postlewait said.

Saturday marks the second year for the event Rocking for Robbie. Postlewait said the concert idea was selected because it would be a fun way to raise money while also being original.

"We wanted to bring Marshall Students and the Greek community together for a good cause," Postlewait said. "The ladies of Sigma Sigma Sigma truly enjoy events that support our philanthropy and believe this event will continue to be successful."

Postlewait said the event will continue to take place each year.

Crystal Myers can be contacted at myers132@marshall.edu.